Trains and buses packed with people leaving for New Year

By Kusal Chamath and H.M. Dharmapala
Large crowds flocked to take long-distance buses and trains to leave for their hometowns yesterday. They said they had the opportunity to celebrate the National New Year amidst a long holiday.

Meanwhile, thousands of people arrived in towns to purchase goods for the New Year, creating a huge rush. This led to traffic congestion on the main roads in many areas. The Railways Department announced that special train services would operate for the convenience of the public leaving for their hometowns during the New Year holidays and returning to Colombo after the celebrations.

Traders said they had remunerative business this year when compared to the previous year.